Sunshine Coast FIFO worker Byron Haddow dies while on holiday in Bali
A heartbroken mum of a Bali-loving Queensland FIFO worker who died suddenly has broken her silence over the circumstances of the tragedy.
QLD News
Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The grieving mum of a much-loved young man who died suddenly in Bali has broken her silence and outlined the family’s suspicions around the tragedy.
Noosa man Byron Haddow died in Bali on May 26.
In a comment on a social media post about the 23-year-old’s death, Byron’s mum Chantal Haddow cast a grim light on the tragedy
“We are still chasing answers as to how our fit, healthy 23-year-old son wound up dead in his private villa,” she said.
“No it wasn’t a scooter accident! No it wasn’t his first time in Bali either!
“We believe it’s suspicious and are going through the avenues to get it investigated which will hold up the process of not only having him returned home but also the release of any monies!
“I want answers more than anyone.”
She also gave context to the GoFundMe set up by Byron’s friends, which has raised more than $31,000, and said it was a “kind gesture” to help support the family.
“All donations have been made by family and friends of Byron which goes to show how truly loved he was by his community and we are very humbled and forever grateful for that,” she said.
Father Robert Haddow revealing his grief over his son’s death in a May 27 social media post.
Mr Haddow said he and wife, Chantal, were trying to comprehend and deal with the shock.
“We ask you guys to give us time to try and get back to everyone’s messages of condolences at this time,” he said.
“Chantal myself and family are not sure where to look, think, and how to deal with this atm (at the moment) please understand.”
The grieving dad also shared a reel from his FIFO-working son who filmed himself drinking a beer and riding on his skateboard while singing along to Fleetwood Mac.
Byron’s final haunting social media posts days before his death showed locations in the popular beachside destination of Legian.
Photographs showed a cafe and empty bar area, along with some goldfish and the caption “beachwalk Bali”.
Byron, self-described as a video creator, was a regular visitor to the popular holiday destination with other posts from nearly a year ago showing a pool at a resort, also in Legian, and a beach scene from Mushroom Bay in Nusa Lembongan.
Other posts from last year showed Byron in Seminyak and Nusa Lembongan.
The young man’s TikTok showed him operating heavy machinery, many tagged FIFO, with one of his posts trying to clean his work gear off in a shower gaining 8.2m views.
More family members have also worked in the mining industry.
One of Mr Haddow’s social media profiles stated he was a former mobile crushing shift supervisor in the Northern Territory.
Loved ones have started a GoFundMe to raise money to bring Byron’s body home to Australia.
“A son, brother, and friend to many taken way too soon,” fundraiser organiser Shania Chapman, from Noosa North Shore, wrote.
“All donations will go towards helping bring Byron home to his family, funeral arrangements and expenses to help his family through this tough time.”
Byron’s aunty Rebecca Haddow Pohlner, an anti-corrosion engineer in Darwin, said her nephew was in Bali “enjoying life over there” like many others.
“Yes he did have travel insurance but it’s going to take six to eight weeks for that to come about and even then they will find any loophole they can,” she said.
“We just want him home where he belongs so my sister n law (sic) and brother, can move forward to grieve this beautiful human my nephew, absolute legend of a boy who had the biggest heart.”
A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said consular assistance was being provided to the family.
“We send our deepest condolences to the family at this difficult time,” they said.
“Owing to our privacy obligations we are unable to provide further comment.”
An outpouring of grief has also continued online as news of Byron’s death spread.
“Rest in peace my bother from another mother you’ve been taken too soon,” one commenter said.
“I’ll always remember the good days and times we have had and the mischief we made and got up to love you always brother.”
“I f***ing love you bro,” another commenter wrote.
“Was waiting for a message back from you bro.
“Will never forget that laughter and your ambition.”
The Haddow family has been contacted for comment.
More Coverage
Originally published as Sunshine Coast FIFO worker Byron Haddow dies while on holiday in Bali
Anxious locals desperate for answers to find ‘monster’ in search for Pheobe
The tight-knit rural town of Gin Gin has been rocked to its core with residents left grappling with the feeling there is a “monster in the community”.
Read more
Neighbours speak after murder-accused mum found unresponsive in cell
A woman accused of murdering her three-year-old daughter near Bundaberg has been found unresponsive in her prison cell as neighbours, still reeling from the week’s horrific events, speak out.
Read more